Thrilling Finale in Madrid: Stars Shine at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold Meeting
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The World Athletics Indoor Tour Gold season concluded in spectacular fashion at the Madrid meeting on Friday, February 28, with top-tier performances and thrilling competitions at the Gallur track in the Spanish capital. Global gold medallists Molly Caudery and Chase Jackson were among the standout athletes who secured overall tour titles with victories, while Patrizia van der Weken, Leyanis Perez, and Brian Faust also claimed top spots in their respective disciplines. Spanish hurdler Enrique Llopis electrified the home crowd by twice equalling the national record in the men’s 60m hurdles. With a variety of disciplines in contention, the Madrid meeting served as a fitting finale to an exciting indoor season.
Women’s Pole Vault: Caudery Clinches the Title
World indoor champion Molly Caudery of Great Britain soared to 4.85m in the women’s pole vault, securing her second World Indoor Tour victory following her success in Karlsruhe. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, Caudery cleared 4.40m, 4.55m, 4.65m, 4.70m, and 4.75m on her first attempts before achieving 4.85m on her third try. Her efforts earned her the top spot in the standings with 27 points. Tina Sutej of Slovenia, the world indoor bronze medallist from Belgrade 2022, finished second after a clean progression up to 4.70m. Imogen Ayris of New Zealand placed third with 4.65m, ahead of Olympic and world finalist Elisa Molinarolo (4.55m).
Caudery was thrilled with her performance, stating, “That was such an amazing competition, I had so much fun! The crowd was incredible, the track was fast, and I absolutely loved the music. For the World Championships, I’d love to retain my title. I’ve also never competed in the European Indoor Championship, so I’d love to add that title to my resume as well. I know I’m in great shape; I just need to bring everything together.”
Women’s 60 Metres: Van der Weken Triumphs
Patrizia van der Weken from Luxembourg sprinted to victory in the women’s 60m final, clocking 7.09—her joint third-fastest career time—to claim the top spot in the World Indoor Tour Gold standings. Bianca Williams secured second place, improving her personal best to 7.16, narrowly edging Portugal’s veteran sprinter Lorene Bazolo (7.17). Hungary’s Boglarka Takacs equaled her personal best with 7.20.
Reflecting on her performance, Van der Weken said, “Winning was not my main goal. I wanted to break the national record and see if I could reach my PB. I believe I am in a good moment now. I am really happy to represent my small country and put it on the map.”
Men’s 60 Metres Hurdles: Llopis Matches Spanish Record
Spain’s Enrique Llopis delivered a sensational performance in the men’s 60m hurdles final, equalling his own national record with a time of 7.48. France’s Wilhelm Belocian finished second in 7.51, securing the overall tour title with 27 points. Spain’s Asler Martinez placed third in 7.53, narrowly edging out Millrose Games winner Dylan Beard (7.54).
Llopis, buoyed by the support of the Madrid crowd, said, “It’s my favourite indoor track. The atmosphere in the stands is incredible, and that motivated us to give our best. The Madrid meeting was a good test for the European Championships in Apeldoorn. I have done a good job, and hopefully, on the day, everything will work out.”
Women’s Shot Put: Jackson Continues Dominance
Two-time world outdoor champion Chase Jackson claimed her third World Indoor Tour Gold victory of the season with a throw of 19.48m in her fourth attempt, following wins in Astana and Torun. Jackson solidified her dominance in the standings with a consistent series that included throws of 19.26m, 19.37m, and 19.44m. Canada’s Sarah Mitton, the reigning world indoor champion, took second place with a best of 19.37m, while Portuguese champion Jessica Inchude (18.88m) and Sweden’s Fanny Roos (18.80m) rounded out the top four.
Jackson expressed her satisfaction with the season, saying, “This is the best start of a season I’ve ever had. The indoor tour is very challenging. Today it wasn’t the result I wanted, but the competition against Sarah Mitton was tough. Last Olympics in Paris weren’t what I expected, but that is past, and this is another season.”
Women’s Triple Jump: Perez Secures Tour Victory
Cuban jumper Leyanis Perez Hernandez won the women’s triple jump with a first-round leap of 14.42m, securing the overall tour title. She added a second valid attempt of 14.26m but skipped the last three rounds to conserve energy for the World Championships. Finland’s Senni Salminen finished second with 13.99m, while Slovenia’s Neja Filipic placed third with 13.87m.
Perez Hernandez was confident about her prospects, stating, “I came to make a jump that would position me above the other competitors. I achieved the result, which was the most important thing, and to save energy for the World Championship, we decided to forgo the last three jumps.”
Men’s 400 Metres: Faust Clinches Overall Victory
Brian Faust of the United States claimed his second World Indoor Tour Gold win in the men’s 400m, clocking 45.74 to secure the overall title. Spain’s Oscar Husillos finished second in 46.31, narrowly holding off compatriot Inaki Canal (46.35).
Faust reflected on his journey, saying, “It’s been a season of ups and downs. I didn’t do well at nationals before coming here, so it was awesome to qualify for the World Championships here.”
Women’s 3000 Metres: Haylom Dominates
Ethiopia’s 19-year-old Birke Haylom produced a commanding performance in the women’s 3000m, winning in 8:38.45—12 seconds ahead of Olympic steeplechase finalist Lomi Muleta (8:50.78). It marked Haylom’s first World Indoor Tour victory.
